This 65' X 21' mural is located on the north gymnasium wall of Athens District High School, Church Street, and was completed in July, 1989.

Artist Dan Sawatzky chose to depict the last graduating class, and the Athens High School, before the disastrous fire of October 27, 1921, which left the building a heap of burning debris. Classes were moved to temporary quarters in the Athens Town Hall. On January 7, 1925, classes resumed in the new Athens High School, built on the site of the former school. In 1956 the school became known as the Athens District High School.

The gentleman pictured on the left of the mural was Mr. James E. Burchill, principal at the time of the fire.

Mr. Sawatzky has included a 1920 Model T Ford to help date the mural. The automobile's front wheels projecting from the picture, as well as the figures, present a three dimensional appearance, making the mural "jump off the wall."

Dan Sawatzky, together with his wife and two children live in Chemainus, British Columbia, where he has been instrumental in promoting this internationally known community. He has painted murals in Steubenville, Ohio; Pacific County, Washington; Welland, Ontario; Sparwood and Chemainus, B.C., and now in Athens, Ontario. "Dan's main objective in his art is preserving the everyday, the ordinary, the humble objects which are so much a part of our heritage as Canadians."
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